Utilization and biodesulfurization of crude oil by Bacillus spp.
Subject Areas : Environmental MicrobiologyAbbas Akhavan Sepahi 1 , Isar Dejban Golpasha 2 , Masoud Emami 3 , Arjang Mohammad Nakhoda 4
1 - Science Faculty, Azad University North Branch, Tehran, Iran
2 - Science Faculty, Azad University North Branch, Tehran, Iran
3 - Science Faculty, Azad University North Branch, Tehran, Iran
4 - Science Faculty, Azad University North Branch, Tehran, Iran
Keywords: Bacillus, Biodegradation, Biosurfactant, Crude oil,
Abstract :
Background and objectives: Today use of microorganisms for removing crude oil pollution from contaminated sites (bioremediation) was considered by scientists because other methods such as surfactant washing and incineration lead to production of more toxic compounds and they are non-economic. Materials and methods: Fifteen crude oil degrading Bacillus spp. were isolated from contaminated sites. Two isolated showed best growth in liquid media with 1-3% ( v/v) crude oil and mineral salt medium. Results: The results show maximal increase in optical densities, total viable count and total protein concomitant with decrease in pH on fifth day of experiment period for Bacillus S6. Typical generation time on mineral salt with 1% crude oil is 18h and 25-h respectively for Bacillus S6 and S35. These bacilli reduce surface tension from 60 (mN/m) to 31 and 38 (mN/m) it means that these bacilli can produce sufficient surfactant. Total of carbon, nitrogen and hydrogen was measured before and after of treatment by using ASTM D5291 method. The results reflect that total of carbon was decreased from 85.6 (mass %) to 41 and 48.8 (mass %) respectively by Bacillus S6 and S35. Biodesulfurization of crude oil was investigated by using IP 242 method. After one month of treatment at 30°C, 42% and 80% of total sulfur content was removed respectively by Bacillus S6 and S35. Conclusion: Quantitative analysis using gas chromatography carried out to demonstrate the effect of biodegradation on n-alkanes (C13-C30). In our study the amounts of hydrocarbons lost by biological processes. The results confirm that isolated Bacillus can use crude oil as source of carbon and energy.
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